Article 15(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology are to establish guidelines for the implementation of specified investment programs for developing new business and programs for supporting the utilization of specified research results (hereinafter referred to as the "implementation guidelines" in this Article, paragraph (3), item (i) of the following Article, and Article 19, paragraph (3), item (i)) (for the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, those guidelines are limited to the portions for the matters set forth in item (ii) of the following paragraph).

(2)The implementation guidelines are to specify the following:

(3)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is to make changes to the implementation guidelines if any need arises due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology intends to establish the implementation guidelines or make changes thereto, they are to consult with the head of the relevant administrative organ in advance.

(5)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology have established the implementation guidelines or have made changes thereto, they are to publicize the established or changed implementation guidelines without delay.

Article 16(1)A limited investment partnership that intends to start a specified investment program for developing new business may prepare a plan for the specified investment program for developing new business (hereinafter referred to as a "plan for specified investment program for developing new business" in this Article, the following Article, and Article 149), and submit it to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to seek approval therefor, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)A plan for specified investment program for developing new business must contain the following:

(3)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has received an application for approval as set forth in paragraph (1) and finds that the plan for specified investment program for developing new business conforms to both of the following items, the minister is to approve the plan:

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has granted approval as set forth in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the details of the plan for specified investment program for developing new business regarding the approval, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Article 17(1)If a limited investment partnership that has obtained approval as set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (hereinafter referred to as an "approved partnership implementing specified investment program for developing new business") intends to make changes to the plan for specified investment program for developing new business regarding the approval, the partnership must seek the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry finds that an approved partnership implementing specified investment program for developing new business is not implementing the specified investment program for developing new business in accordance with the plan for specified investment program for developing new business regarding the approval (or, the plan after changes under the preceding paragraph, if approval has been granted for those changes; hereinafter referred to as an "approved plan for specified investment program for developing new business"), the minister may rescind the approval.

(3)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry finds that an approved plan for specified investment program for developing new business no longer conforms to either of the items of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article, the minister may direct the approved partnership implementing specified investment program for developing new business to make changes to the relevant approved plan or may rescind the approval.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has rescinded the approval under the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to publicize that fact.

(5)The provisions of paragraph (3) and paragraph (4) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval set forth in paragraph (1).

Article 18For the purpose of facilitating specified investment programs for developing new business, the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation undertakes business operations to guarantee debt obligations regarding the borrowing of the funds necessary for approved partnerships implementing specified investment program for developing new business to implement specified investment programs for developing new business in accordance with the approved plan for specified investment program for developing new business.

Article 19(1)A person that intends to start a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results (including a person that intends to establish a corporation implementing a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results, an limited investment partnership that intends to start a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results, and a person that intends to incorporate an limited investment partnership implementing a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results under a limited partnership agreement for investment as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Limited Partnership Act for Investment) may prepare a plan for the program for supporting the utilization of specified research results (hereinafter referred to as a "plan for a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results" in this Article, the following Article, and Article 147, paragraph (1), item (ii)), and submit it to the competent minister to seek approval therefor, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)Plans for program for supporting the utilization of specified research results must contain the following:

(3)If the competent minister has received an application for approval as set forth in paragraph (1) and finds that a plan for a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results conforms to both of the following items, the minister is to approve the plan:

(4)If the competent minister has granted approval as set forth in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the details of the plan for a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results regarding the approval, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

Article 20(1)If a person that has obtained approval as set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (including a corporation set forth in the same paragraph established by the person, or an limited investment partnership set forth in the same paragraph incorporated by the person; hereinafter referred to as an "approved business supporting the utilization of specified research results") intends to make changes to the plan for a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results regarding the approval, the person must seek the approval of the competent minister, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)If the competent minister finds that an approved business supporting the utilization of specified research results is not implementing the program for supporting the utilization of specified research results in accordance with the plan for a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results regarding the approval (or the plan after changes under the preceding paragraph, if approval has been granted for the changes; hereinafter referred to as an "approved plan for a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results"), the minister may rescind the approval.

(3)If the competent minister finds that an approved plan for a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results no longer conforms to either of the items of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article, the minister may direct the approved business supporting the utilization of specified research results to make changes to the relevant plan or may rescind the approval.

(4)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval under the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to publicize that fact.

(5)The provisions of paragraph (3) and paragraph (4) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval set forth in paragraph (1).

Article 21For the purpose of facilitating the utilization of the results of research on technology conducted by a national university corporation, the national university corporation undertakes business operations to make capital contributions for funds necessary and provide the personnel and technical assistance necessary for approved businesses supporting the utilization of specified research results to implement programs for supporting the utilization of specified research results in accordance with the approved plan for a program for supporting the utilization of specified research results.

Article 22(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance are to establish the guidelines for the implementation of corporate restructuring (hereinafter referred to as the "implementation guidelines" in this Section) (for the Minister of Finance, limited to the particulars set forth in item (vii) of the following paragraph).

(2)The implementation guidelines are to specify the following:

(3)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance are to make changes to the implementation guidelines if any need arises due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance intend to establish the implementation guidelines or make changes thereto, they are to consult with the head of the relevant administrative organ in advance.

(5)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Finance have established the implementation guidelines or have made changes thereto, they are to publicize the established or changed implementation guidelines without delay.

Article 23(1)A business may prepare a plan for corporate restructuring that it intends to start (including corporate restructuring that a corporation established by the business intends to start; hereinafter the relevant plan is referred to as a "corporate restructuring plan"), and submit it to the competent minister to seek approval therefor, as prescribed by order of the competent ministries.

(2)If two or more businesses intend to coordinate in starting measures for corporate restructuring, those two or more businesses may coordinate in preparing a corporate restructuring plan to seek approval therefor as set forth in the preceding paragraph.

(3)A corporate restructuring plan must contain the following:

(4)A corporate restructuring plan may contain plans for the measures to be taken by related businesses and related foreign corporations for the purpose of the corporate restructuring by the business[es].

(5)If the competent minister has received an application for approval as set forth in paragraph (1) and finds that the corporate restructuring plan conforms to all of the following items, the minister is to approve the plan:

(6)If the competent minister has granted approval as set forth in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the details of the corporate restructuring plan regarding the approval, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

Article 24(1)If a person that has obtained approval as set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (including a corporation established in accordance with the corporate restructuring plan regarding the approval; hereinafter the relevant person is referred to as an "approved business implementing corporate restructuring") intends to make changes to the corporate restructuring plan regarding the approval, the person must seek the approval of the competent minister as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)If the competent minister finds that an approved business implementing corporate restructuring, or its related business or related foreign corporation is not taking measures for corporate restructuring in accordance with the corporate restructuring plan regarding the approval (the plan after changes under the preceding paragraph if approval has been granted for those changes; hereinafter referred to as an "approved corporate restructuring plan"), the minister may rescind the approval.

(3)If the competent minister finds that an approved corporate restructuring plan no longer conforms to any of the items of paragraph (5) of the preceding Article, the minister may direct the approved business implementing corporate restructuring to make changes to the relevant plan or may rescind the approval.

(4)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval under the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to publicize that fact.

(5)The provisions of paragraph (5) and paragraph (6) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval set forth in paragraph (1).

Article 25(1)A business may prepare a plan for the special corporate restructuring that it intends to start (hereinafter referred to as a "special corporate restructuring plan"), and submit it to the competent minister to seek approval therefor, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)If two or more businesses intend to coordinate in starting measures for special corporate restructuring, those two or more businesses may coordinate in preparing a special corporate restructuring plan to seek approval therefor as set forth in the preceding paragraph.

(3)A special corporate restructuring plan must contain the following:

(4)A special corporate restructuring plan may contain plans for the measures to be taken by related businesses and related foreign corporations for the purpose of the special corporate restructuring of the business[es].

(5)If the competent minister has received an application for approval as set forth in paragraph (1) and finds that the special corporate restructuring plan conforms to all of the following items, the minister is to approve the plan:

(6)If the competent minister has granted approval as set forth in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the details of the special corporate restructuring plan regarding the approval, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

Article 26(1)If a person that has obtained approval as set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (hereinafter referred to as an "approved business implementing special corporate restructuring") intends to make changes to the special corporate restructuring plan regarding the approval, the person must seek the approval of the competent minister, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)If the competent minister finds that an approved business implementing special corporate restructuring or its related business or related foreign corporation is not taking measures for the special corporate restructuring in accordance with the special corporate restructuring plan regarding the approval (if approval has been granted for changes under the preceding paragraph, the plan after the changes; hereinafter referred to as an "approved special corporate restructuring plan"), the minister may rescind the approval.

(3)If the competent minister finds that an approved special corporate restructuring plan no longer conforms to any of the items of paragraph (5) of the preceding Article, the ministers may direct the approved business implementing special corporate restructuring to make changes to the approved special corporate restructuring plan or may rescind the approval.

(4)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval under the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to publicize that fact.

(5)The provisions of paragraph (5) and paragraph (6) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval set forth in paragraph (1).

Article 27(1)If the competent minister intends to grant approval as set forth in Article 23, paragraph (1) (including the approval for changes set forth in Article 24, paragraph (1); the same applies in paragraph (3)) with respect to a corporate restructuring plan and the measures for the corporate restructuring to be implemented in accordance with the corporate restructuring plan fall under the cases specified by Cabinet Order as cases in which fair competition might not be ensured within the field in which the business[es] filing the application engages in its own business, or, the competent minister intends to grant approval as set forth in Article 25, paragraph (1) (including the approval for changes set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article; the same applies in paragraph (3)) with respect to a special corporate restructuring plan and the measures for the special corporate restructuring to be implemented in accordance with the special corporate restructuring plan fall under the cases specified by Cabinet Order as cases in which fair competition might not be ensured within the field in which the business[es] filing the application engage in its own business (hereinafter all those measures mentioned above are referred to as "corporate restructuring-related measures" in this paragraph), the competent minister is to forward a copy of the application form regarding the approval to the Fair Trade Commission and consult with the Fair Trade Commission in advance.In this case, the competent minister is to present the opinion with respect to matters concerning the influence that will be exerted by the corporate restructuring-related measures on competition within the field in which the business[es] filing the application engage in its own business, as well as with respect to other necessary matters, and is to indicate the situation in domestic and foreign markets within that field, the level of improvements in productivity through the corporate restructuring-related measures, and any other supporting grounds for that opinion.

(2)Upon having a consultation as set forth in the preceding paragraph, the competent minister and the Fair Trade Commission are to maintain a close liaison with each other so as to carry out necessary procedures promptly and appropriately, in consideration of the necessity of strengthening industrial competitiveness.

(3)With respect to actions taken in accordance with a corporate restructuring plan for which a copy of the application form has been forwarded under paragraph (1) and to which the competent minister has granted approval as set forth in Article 23, paragraph (1) or in accordance with a special corporate restructuring plan for which a copy of the application form has been forwarded under paragraph (1) and to which the competent minister has granted approval as set forth in Article 25, paragraph (1), the competent minister and the Fair Trade Commission are to maintain a close liaison with each other so as to prevent damage to fair competitive relations among businesses, as well as unreasonable damage to the interests of general consumers and related businesses, due to fluctuations in the state of the economy after the approval.

Article 28(1)If a business newly establishes a stock company through the contribution or transfer of all or part of its assets in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan or an approved special corporate restructuring plan (hereinafter referred to as an "approved plan" in this Section), with respect to the application of the provisions of Article 33, paragraph (10), item (i) of the Companies Act (Act No. 86 of 2005) regarding the incorporators of the newly established stock company, the phrase "does not exceed 5,000,000 yen" in the same item is deemed to be replaced with "does not exceed 5,000,000 yen, and in cases prescribed in Article 28, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

(2)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 47, paragraph (2) of the Commercial Registration Act (Act No. 125 of 1963) in the cases set forth in the preceding paragraph, the phrase "the following documents" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the following documents (excluding the documents set forth in item (iv)) and a document evidencing that the contribution or transfer of assets was in accordance with an approved plan prescribed in Article 28, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

Article 29(1)If a business contributes all or part of its assets to another stock company in accordance with an approved plan (including cases in which share options are exercised), the provisions of Article 207, paragraph (1) through paragraph (8), and Article 284, paragraph (1) through paragraph (8) of the Companies Act do not apply to the relevant other stock company.

(2)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 56 and Article 57 of the Commercial Registration Act in the cases set forth in the preceding paragraph, the phrase "the following documents" in these provisions is deemed to be replaced with "the following documents (excluding the documents set forth in item (iii), (a) and item (iv)) and a document evidencing that the contribution of assets was in accordance with an approved plan prescribed in Article 28, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

Article 30(1)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 468, paragraph (1), Article 469, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3), Article 784, paragraph (1), Article 785, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3), Article 796, paragraph (1), and Article 797, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3) of the Companies Act regarding a stock company that is a specified related business of an approved business implementing corporate restructuring or an approved business implementing special corporate restructuring (hereinafter referred to as an "approved business" in this Section) (meaning an related business in which two-thirds or more of the voting rights of all shareholders are held by the approved business and a stock company all of whose issued shares are held by the approved business, as well as another approved business regarding an approved plan and a stock company all of whose issued shares are held by the relevant other approved business; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) and which performs any of the following acts (for acts set forth in item (iv) to item (vii), limited to an act performed with another stock company) in accordance with an approved plan, the phrase "special controlling company (when nine tenths (9/10) (or, when any proportion higher than that is provided for in the articles of incorporation, such proportion) or more of the voting rights of all shareholders of a stock company are held by another company, and by stock companies all of whose issued shares are held by the relevant other company and other corporations prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Justice as entities equivalent to the above, referring to the relevant other company; the same applies hereinafter)" in Article 468, paragraph (1) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "specified special controlling company (when a stock company is a specified related business (meaning the specified related business prescribed in Article 30, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013); hereinafter the same applies in this Article) in an approved plan as prescribed in Article 28, paragraph (1) of the same Act, a specified special controlling company means an approved business prescribed in Article 30, paragraph (1) of the same Act regarding the specified related business, another specified related business of the approved business, another approved business regarding the approved plan, or a specified related business of the relevant other approved business; the same applies hereinafter)"; and the phrase "special controlling company" in Article 469, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3), Article 784, paragraph (1), Article 785, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3), Article 796, paragraph (1), and Article 797, paragraph (2), item (ii) and paragraph (3) of the Companies Act is deemed to be replaced with "specified special controlling company":

(2)If an approved business's specified related business that is a stock company performs either of the following acts in accordance with an approved plan, the provisions of Article 804, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act do not apply to the specified related business:

(3)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 806, paragraph (3) and Article 808, paragraph (3) of the Companies Act in the cases set forth in the preceding paragraph, the phrase "the day of resolution at the shareholders meeting set forth in Article 804, paragraph (1)" in Article 806, paragraph (3) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "the day of resolution at the shareholders meeting set forth in Article 804, paragraph (1) (in the cases prescribed in Article 30, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013), the day of the conclusion of the consolidation-type merger agreement or the day of the preparation of the incorporation-type company split plan)"; and the phrase "and in the cases prescribed in Article 805, the day of the preparation of the incorporation-type company split plan" in Article 808, paragraph (3) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "in the cases prescribed in Article 805, the day of the preparation of the incorporation-type company split plan, and in the cases prescribed in Article 30, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness, the day of the conclusion of the consolidation-type merger agreement or the day of the preparation of the incorporation-type company split plan)".

(4)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 80, Article 81, Article 85, Article 86, and Article 89 of the Commercial Registration Act in the cases set forth in paragraph (1) and paragraph (2), the phrases set forth in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the same Act set forth in the left-hand column of the same table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the same table.

(5)If an approved business demands, in accordance with an approved plan, that all shareholders of its specified related business that is a stock company sell back all of the shares of the specified related business that they hold, (those shareholders exclude the relevant specified related business and the relevant approved business (and, also exclude a stock company all of whose issued shares it holds, another approved business regarding the approved plan, or a stock company all of whose issued shares the other relevant approved business holds, if the relevant approved business has decided not to make a demand under this paragraph of any of them pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 179, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act as applied by replacing the phrases pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph, including the relevant approved business)), with respect to the application of the provisions of Article 151, paragraph (2); Article 154, paragraph (3); Article 179; Article 179-2, paragraph (1), item (i), item (iv), (a), item (v), and paragraph (2); Article 179-3, paragraph (1), paragraph (2), and paragraph (4); Article 179-4, items of paragraph (1), and paragraph (3), and paragraph (4); Article 179-5, paragraph (1), item (i); Article 179-6, paragraph (1), paragraph (3), and paragraph (7); Article 179-7; Article 179-8, paragraph (2), and paragraph (3); Article 179-9; Article 179-10, paragraph (1); Article 219, paragraph (2), item (ii), and paragraph (4); Article 272, paragraph (4); Article 293, paragraph (2), item (i), and paragraph (4); Article 846-3; and Article 870, paragraph (2), item (v) of the Companies Act, the phrases set forth in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the same Act set forth in the left-hand column of the same table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the same table, and Cabinet Order prescribes any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

Article 31(1)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 180, paragraph (2) of the Companies Act regarding the consolidation of shares which an approved business or a stock company that is its related business undertakes, at the same time as a reduction in the amount of stated capital, capital reserves or retained earnings reserves, in accordance with the approved plan, and which falls under both of the following items, the phrase "a shareholders meeting" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "a shareholders meeting (for a company with a board of directors, a board of directors meeting)":

(2)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 61 of the Commercial Registration Act in the cases set forth in the preceding paragraph, the phrase "documents listed in Article 59, paragraph (1), item (ii)" in the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "documents set forth in Article 59, paragraph (1), item (ii), and a document evidencing that the consolidation of shares was in accordance with the approved plan prescribed in Article 28, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

Article 32(1)If a stock company that is an approved business acquires shares of another stock company (including shares, equity, or the equivalent in a foreign corporation; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph) through transfer in accordance with an approved plan (limited to cases in which the stock company intends to make that other stock company fall under the category of its own related business through the acquisition, if that other stock company's business does not fall under the category of its own related business, or in which it intends to make the foreign corporation its own related foreign corporation through the acquisition, if the foreign corporation is not its own related foreign corporation; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph), and it issues shares or disposes of treasury shares in exchange for the acquisition; or a stock company that is an approved business issues shares or disposes of treasury shares to its subsidiary (meaning the subsidiary prescribed in Article 2, item (iii) of the Companies Act and limited to stock companies all of whose issued shares are held by the company and other corporations specified by orders of the competent ministries as those equivalent thereto; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph) in accordance with an approved plan, and the subsidiary acquires shares of another stock company through transfer in accordance with the approved plan and issues shares (including securities set forth in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (xx) of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (Act No. 25 of 1948) that indicate the rights regarding those shares and the rights to be indicated on the securities) of the stock company that is the approved business in exchange for the acquisition; with respect to the application of the provisions of Article 199, Article 201 (excluding paragraph (1) and paragraph (2)), Article 208, and Article 445 of the Companies Act regarding the relevant approved business, the phrases set forth in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the same Act set forth in the left-hand column of the same table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the same table, and Cabinet Order specifies any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

(2)With respect to the issuance of shares or disposal of treasury shares undertaken by a stock company that is an approved business pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the provisions of Article 135, paragraph (1), Article 200, Article 201, paragraph (1) and paragraph (2), Article 206-2, and Article 212 of the Companies Act do not apply.

(3)The provisions of Article 234, Article 309, paragraph (2), Article 796, paragraph (2) and paragraph (3), Article 797, Article 798, Article 868 to Article 876, and Article 940 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to the cases set forth in paragraph (1).In this case, the phrases set forth in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the same Act set forth in the left-hand column of the same table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the same table, and Cabinet Order prescribes any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

(4)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 56 of the Commercial Registration Act in the cases set forth in paragraph (1), the phrase "the following documents" in the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "the following documents (excluding the documents set forth in item (iii) (a) and item (iv)), and a document evidencing that the issuance of shares was in accordance with the plan for which the approval set forth in Article 23, paragraph (1) or Article 25, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013) (including the approval for changes set forth in Article 24, paragraph (1) or Article 26, paragraph (1) of the same Act) was obtained".

(5)The provisions of Article 155 (excluding paragraph (8)) the Act on Book-Entry Transfer of Company Bonds, Shares, etc. apply mutatis mutandis to the cases set forth in paragraph (1).In this case, the phrase "intends to perform any of the acts set forth in the items of Article 116, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act, consolidation of shares prescribed in Article 182-2, paragraph (1) of the same Act, business transfer, etc. (meaning the business transfer, etc. prescribed in Article 468, paragraph (1) of the same Act; the same applies in paragraph (4)), merger, conclusion of an absorption-type company split agreement, incorporation-type company split, conclusion of a share exchange agreement, or share transfer" in paragraph (1) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "intends to undertake the issuance of shares or disposal of treasury shares under Article 32, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness"; the phrase "the day when any of the acts set forth in the items of Article 116, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act, consolidation of shares prescribed in Article 182-2, paragraph (1) of the same Act, business transfer, etc., absorption-type merger, absorption-type company split, or a share exchange becomes effective or the day of the establishment of a company through a consolidation-type merger, incorporation-type company split, or share transfer" in paragraph (4) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "the date set forth in Article 199, paragraph (1), item (iv) of the Companies Act as applied pursuant to the provisions of Article 32, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness following the deemed replacement of the terms or the first day of the period set forth in the same item"; and Cabinet Order prescribes any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

Article 33(1)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 309, paragraph (2), Article 459, paragraph (1), and Article 460, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act in cases in which a stock company that is an approved business distributes specified dividends of surplus (meaning dividends of surplus using, as dividend property, shares of an related business of the approved business or shares, equity, or the equivalent in an related foreign corporation; the same applies in the following paragraph) in accordance with an approved plan, the phrases set forth in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the same Act set forth in the left-hand column of the same table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the same table, and Cabinet Order prescribes any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

(2)In the cases set forth in the preceding paragraph, the articles of incorporation of a stock company that is an approved business (limited to a stock company that has provisions concerning the articles of incorporation under Article 459, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act) are to be deemed to have provisions to the effect that the board of directors may decide the matters set forth in the items of Article 454, paragraph (1) of the same Act and the items of paragraph (4) of the same Article regarding specified dividends of surplus.

Article 34(1)If a resolution at the shareholders meeting or the board of directors or a decision by executive officers has been made with respect to the transfer of all or part of business to be undertaken in accordance with an approved plan, a business which is a stock company (hereinafter simply referred to as a "company" in this paragraph and paragraph (4)) may give a separate notice to each of its specified creditors (meaning, from among persons holding claims against the company, those who will hold claims against persons taking over all or part of the business and will not hold the claims against the company as a result of the transfer of all or part of the business; hereinafter the same applies in this Article), within two weeks from the date of the resolution or decision, explaining the outline of the transfer of all or part of the business, and may require them to state any objections to the transfer of all or part of the business, if any, within a fixed period of time.

(2)The period set forth in the preceding paragraph must not be less than one month.

(3)If a specified creditor that has received a notice as prescribed in paragraph (1) has stated no objection within the period set forth in the same paragraph, the specified creditor is deemed to have approved the transfer of all or part of the business.

(4)If a specified creditor has stated an objection within the period set forth in paragraph (1), the company must make a payment to the specified creditor, or must provide the reasonable security to the specified creditor or entrust appropriate assets to a trust company or financial institution engaged in a trust business with the aim of having the specified creditor receive repayment; provided, however, that this does not apply to cases in which there is no risk of damage to the specified creditor even if the transfer of all of part of the business takes place.

Article 35(1)Each of the partners of a limited investment partnership may pledge to operate a coordinated business to acquire and hold shares, share options or designated securities (meaning the designated securities prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (iii) of the Limited Partnership Act for Investment) issued by, or equity in, a foreign corporation, or their equivalent in a foreign corporation, which pertain to a related foreign corporation (limited to a related foreign corporation, if a plan concerning measures to be taken by the related foreign corporation is included in the approved plan), for the purpose of facilitating corporate restructuring, under the terms of the partnership agreement set forth in the same paragraph, in addition to the business activities set forth in the items of the same paragraph.

(2)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 7, paragraph (4) of the Limited Partnership Act for Investment regarding partners of a limited investment partnership who have pledged to operate a business prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the phrase "acts other than the business activities listed in Article 3, paragraph (1)" in Article 7, paragraph (4) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "acts other than the business activities set forth in Article 3, paragraph (1) or the business activities prescribed in Article 35, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)"; and the phrase "a business other than those set forth in the same paragraph" in Article 7, paragraph (4) of the Limited Partnership Act for Investment is deemed to be replaced with "acts other than the business activities set forth in Article 3, paragraph (1) or the business activities prescribed in Article 35, paragraph (1) of the same Act".

Article 36For the purpose of facilitating corporate restructuring, the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation is to undertake business operations to guarantee bonds issued by persons as set forth in the following items in order to raise funds as specified therein, and to guarantee debt obligations regarding the borrowing of the funds:

Article 37(1)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 1 and Article 11 of the Japan Finance Corporation Act (Act No. 57 of 2007; referred to as the "JFC Act" in the following paragraph), the JFC may undertake the following business operations (hereinafter referred to as "business operations to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion"):

(2)If business operations to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion are undertaken, those operations are deemed to be business operations to facilitate specified business promotion as prescribed in Article 6 of the Act on the Promotion of Business Developing and Manufacturing Energy-Environment Friendly Products (Act No. 38 of 2010); and the phrases set forth in the middle column of the table of Article 17 of the same Act that are used in the provisions of the JFC Act set forth in the left-hand column of the same table (excluding the phrases set forth in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the JFC Act set forth in the left-hand column of the same table) are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the table of the same Article, and the phrases set forth in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the JFC Act set forth in the left-hand column of the same table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the same table.In this case, Cabinet Order prescribes the necessary technical replacement of the phrases.

Article 38(1)In line with the implementation guidelines (limited to the particulars set forth in Article 22, paragraph (2), item (vii); the same applies in paragraph (1), item (ii) and paragraph (2) of the following Article), the JFC must specify the methods and conditions for business operations to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion and other policies for undertaking those operations (hereinafter referred to as "policies for undertaking business operations to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion"), as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)If the JFC intends to specify policies for undertaking business operations to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion, it must obtain the authorization of the competent minister. This also applies if the JFC intends to make changes to those policies.

(3)If the JFC has obtained the authorization of the competent minister set forth in the preceding paragraph, it must publicize the policies for undertaking business operations to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion without delay.

(4)The JFC must undertake business operations to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion in accordance with the policies for undertaking business operations to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion.

Article 39(1)With respect to business operations to offer loans for funds necessary for approved corporate restructuring-related measures taken by an approved business implementing corporate restructuring, etc. in accordance with an approved corporate restructuring plan or for approved special corporate restructuring-related measures taken by an approved business implementing special corporate restructuring, etc. in accordance with an approved special corporate restructuring plan, which are to be undertaken by way of borrowing funds necessary for offering those loans from the JFC (hereinafter referred to as "business operations to promote corporate restructuring"), the competent minister may designate those that are found to conform to all of the following items as designated financial institutions, upon application from them, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries:

(2)A person intending to receive designation under the preceding paragraph (hereinafter simply referred to as "designation" in this Section) must specify the regulations concerning business operations to promote corporate restructuring promotion (referred to as the "business regulations" in the following paragraph and Article 41), in line with the implementation guidelines, and the policies for undertaking business operations to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion, in accordance with the procedures specified by orders of the competent ministries, and submit it to the competent minister together with a written application for designation.

(3)The business regulations must specify particulars concerning the implementation framework and methods for business operations to promote corporate restructuring and other particulars specified by orders of the competent ministries.

(4)Those falling under any of the following items may not receive designation:

Article 40(1)If the competent minister has made a designation, the minister is to issue a public notice concerning the trade name or name, and the address of the designated financial institution, as well as the location of its business office or office where it undertakes business operations to promote corporate restructuring.

(2)If a designated financial institution intends to change its trade name or name, its address, or the location of its business office or office where it undertakes business operations to promote corporate restructuring, it must notify the competent minister of that fact in advance.

(3)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to issue a public notice of that fact.

Article 41(1)If a designated financial institution intends to change the business regulations, it must obtain the authorization of the competent minister.

(2)If the competent minister finds that the business regulations of a designated financial institution are no longer appropriate for the proper and reliable undertaking of business operations to promote corporate restructuring, the minister may order the institution to change its business regulations.

Article 42(1)The JFC is to conclude an agreement containing the following particulars with a designated financial institution, with respect to business operations to facilitate corporate restructuring promotion, and undertake its business operations in accordance with the agreement:

(2)If the JFC intends to conclude an agreement as set forth in the preceding paragraph, it must obtain the authorization of the competent ministers. This also applies if the JFC intends to make changes to the agreement.

Article 43Designated financial institutions must keep books with respect to business operations to promote corporate restructuring, record the matters specified by orders of the competent ministries, and preserve them, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

Article 44If the competent ministers find it necessary for the enforcement of this Act, the ministers may issue orders necessary for supervision with respect to business operations to promote corporate restructuring to a designated financial institution.

Article 45(1)If a designated financial institution intends to suspend or discontinue all or part of the business operations to promote corporate restructuring, it must notify the competent minister of that fact in advance, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to issue a public notice of that fact.

(3)If a designated financial institution has discontinued all of the business operations to promote corporate restructuring, the designation as the designated financial institution ceases to be effective.

Article 46(1)If a designated financial institution has come to fall under any of the items (excluding item (ii)) of Article 39, paragraph (4), the competent minister is to rescind the designation as the designated financial institution.

(2)If a designated financial institution falls under any of the following items, the competent minister may rescind the designation as the designated financial institution:

(3)If the competent minister has rescinded a designation pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to issue a public notice of that fact.

Article 47If designation as a designated financial institution has ceased to be effective pursuant to the provisions of Article 45, paragraph (3) or has been rescinded pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, a person that was the designated financial institution or its general successor is deemed to be the designated financial institution within the context of its purpose of completing transactions based on the agreement on the designated financial institution's business operations to promote corporate restructuring undertaken.

Article 48If the government finds it necessary for facilitating corporate restructuring by businesses, it is to conduct the following investigations and publicize the results thereof:

Article 49(1)Certified dispute resolution businesses that have specified the scope of disputes set forth in Article 6, item (i) of the Act on Promotion of Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution, while including disputes regarding corporate rehabilitation within that scope, may obtain the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry with respect to the fact that they conform to both of the following items, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry:

(2)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry finds that the certified dispute resolution business in relation to the application for approval set forth in the preceding paragraph conforms to both of the items of the preceding paragraph, the minister is to grant approval as set forth in the same paragraph.

(3)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry finds that a certified dispute resolution business that has obtained approval as set forth in paragraph (1) no longer conforms to either of the items of the same paragraph, or finds that confirmation regarding the reduction of the amount of bonds to be redeemed set forth in Article 54, paragraph (1), confirmation regarding the borrowing of the funds set forth in Article 56, paragraph (1), or confirmation regarding the claims set forth in Article 59, paragraph (1) is not being made properly, the minister may rescind the approval.

Article 50If a business has filed an application for conciliation regarding the arrangement of specified debts, etc. (meaning the arrangement of specified debts, etc. prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (2) of the Act on Special Conciliation Proceedings for Expediting Arrangement of Specified Debts, etc. (Act No. 158 of 1999)) (this is limited to cases in which a request as set forth in Article 3, paragraph (2) of the same Act was made at the time of the application for conciliation), and specified dispute resolution procedures were undertaken with respect to the subject incident of the application prior to that application, the court is to make a judgment as to whether it is appropriate for the conciliation to be undertaken only by judges pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 5, paragraph (1) of the Civil Conciliation Act (Act No. 222 of 1951), in consideration of the fact that the specified dispute resolution procedures were undertaken.

Article 51With respect to corporate rehabilitation participated in by the persons set forth in the following items, the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation guarantees obligations regarding the borrowing of the funds that are indispensable for a business intending to implement corporate rehabilitation to continue its business, within the period specified respectively in each of the same items (or, until an application for the starting of bankruptcy proceedings, the starting of rehabilitation proceedings, the starting of reorganization proceedings, or the starting of special liquidation is filed, if any of those applications is filed within that period; the relevant period is referred to as the "corporate rehabilitation preparation period" in paragraph (1) of the following Article):

Article 52(1)With respect to the application of the provisions of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act (Act No. 264 of 1950) as set forth in the left-hand column of the following table regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) of the same Act (hereinafter referred to as "ordinary insurance"), unsecured insurance prescribed in Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the same Act (hereinafter referred to as "unsecured insurance"), or special petty insurance prescribed in Article 3-3, paragraph (1) of the same Act (hereinafter referred to as "special petty insurance") that pertain to a small or medium-sized enterprise which has received a corporate rehabilitation facilitation-related guarantee (meaning a guarantee for obligations as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), Article 3-2, paragraph (1), or Article 3-3, paragraph (1) of the same Act that are related to the borrowing of the funds (limited to the borrowing of the funds within the corporate rehabilitation preparation period) necessary to be allocated as expenses for the purpose of purchasing raw materials by a small or medium-sized enterprise intending to implement corporate rehabilitation or other expenses indispensable for the continuation of its business that are specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; hereinafter the same applies in this Article), the phrases set forth in the middle column of the same table that are used in these provisions are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the same table.

(2)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) and Article 5 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance that are related to a corporate rehabilitation facilitation-related guarantee, the phrase "70 percent" in Article 3, paragraph (2) of the same Act and the phrase "70 percent (or 80 percent for unsecured insurance, special petty insurance, current assets insurance, pollution prevention insurance, energy conservation insurance, overseas investment-related insurance, new business development insurance, corporate rehabilitation insurance, and specific corporate bond insurance)" are deemed to be replaced with "80 percent".

(3)The amount of insurance premiums relating to the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance, unsecured insurance, or special petty insurance that are related to a corporate rehabilitation facilitation-related guarantee is the amount arrived at if the insurance amount is multiplied by a percentage specified by Cabinet Order within two percent per annum, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act.

Article 53(1)With respect to the application of the provisions of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act as set forth in the left-hand column of the following table regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance, unsecured insurance, or special petty insurance that are related to a small or medium-sized enterprise which has received a corporate rehabilitation plan implementation-related guarantee (meaning a guarantee for obligations as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), Article 3-2, paragraph (1) or Article 3-3, paragraph (1) of the same Act that is related to funds necessary for corporate rehabilitation to be implemented in accordance with a plan for corporate rehabilitation set forth in Article 51, item (ii) prepared through receiving guidance or advice from the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation or approved support institutions (limited to a plan on which all of the creditors subject to the plan have reached an agreement) or a plan for corporate rehabilitation prepared as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; hereinafter the same applies in this Article), the phrases set forth in the middle column of the same table that are used in these provisions are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the same table.

(2)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) and Article 5 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance that are related to a corporate rehabilitation plan implementation-related guarantee, the phrase "70 percent" in Article 3, paragraph (2) of the same Act and the phrase "70 percent (or 80 percent for unsecured insurance, special petty insurance, current assets insurance, pollution prevention insurance, energy conservation insurance, overseas investment-related insurance, new business development insurance, corporate rehabilitation insurance, and specific corporate bond insurance)" are deemed to be replaced with "80 percent".

(3)The amount of insurance premiums relating to the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance, unsecured insurance, or special petty insurance that are related to a corporate rehabilitation plan implementation-related guarantee is the amount arrived at if the insurance amount is multiplied by a percentage as specified by Cabinet Order within two percent per annum, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act.

Article 54(1)A business intending to promote corporate rehabilitation through specified certified dispute resolution procedures may request the specified certified dispute resolution business undertaking the specified certified dispute resolution procedures to confirm that the reduction of the amount of bonds to be redeemed based on a resolution at the bondholders meeting is in conformity with the standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Cabinet Office Order, as being indispensable for the corporate rehabilitation of the business.

(2)When having made a confirmation as set forth in the preceding paragraph, the specified certified dispute resolution business is to give notice to that effect to the business that sought the confirmation.

Article 55(1)If an application has been filed for the authorization prescribed in Article 732 of the Companies Act regarding a resolution at a bondholders meeting to the effect that the amount of bonds to be redeemed is to be reduced, on which a specified certified dispute resolution business has confirmed the reduction pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the court is to make a decision as to whether the resolution at the bondholders meeting falls under the cases set forth in Article 733, item (iv) of the same Act, in consideration of the fact that it had been confirmed that the reduction is indispensable for the corporate rehabilitation of the relevant business.

(2)If an application has been filed for the authorization prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the court may request the specified certified dispute resolution business to present opinions.

Article 56(1)A business intending to promote corporate rehabilitation through specified certified dispute resolution procedures may request the specified certified dispute resolution business undertaking the specified certified dispute resolution procedures to confirm that the borrowing of funds by the relevant business during a period from the starting of the specified certified dispute resolution procedures up to their termination conforms to both of the following items:

(2)When having made a confirmation as set forth in the preceding paragraph, the specified certified dispute resolution business is to give notice to that effect to the business that sought the confirmation.

Article 57If a ruling has been rendered on the starting of rehabilitation proceedings with respect to a business that has conducted the borrowing of the funds on which it obtained the confirmation under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, and a proposed rehabilitation plan (meaning the proposed rehabilitation plan set forth in Article 163, paragraph (1) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act (Act No. 225 of 1999); the same applies in Article 62) that creates a difference in the details of changes to rights between rehabilitation claims regarding the borrowing of the funds on which it obtained the confirmation under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article and other rehabilitation claims (limited to rehabilitation claims that the creditors set forth in item (ii) of the same paragraph held at the time of giving the consent set forth in the same item) has been submitted or approved, the court (meaning an individual judge or a council of judges dealing with the rehabilitation case; the same applies from Article 60 to Article 62) is to make a decision as to whether the proposed rehabilitation plan falls under cases in which equality will not be compromised even if the difference is created among the rehabilitation creditors prescribed in the proviso to Article 155, paragraph (1) of the same Act, in consideration of the fact that it was confirmed that the borrowing of the funds conforms to both of the items of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.

Article 58If a ruling has been rendered on the starting of reorganization proceedings with respect to a business that conducted the borrowing of the funds that it obtained the confirmation under Article 56, paragraph (1), and a proposed reorganization plan that creates a difference in the details of changes to rights between reorganization claims, etc. (meaning the reorganization claims, etc. set forth in Article 2, paragraph (12) of the Corporate Reorganization Act (Act No. 154 of 2002); the same applies in Article 64 and Article 65) regarding the borrowing of the funds on which the business obtained the confirmation under Article 56, paragraph (1) and other reorganization claims, etc. of the same type (limited to reorganization claims, etc. that the creditors set forth in Article 56, paragraph (1), item (ii) held at the time of giving the consent set forth in the same item) has been submitted or approved, the court (meaning an individual judge or a council of judges dealing with the reorganization case; the same applies from Article 63 through Article 65) is to make a decision as to whether the proposed reorganization plan falls under the cases in which equality will not be compromised even if the difference is created among reorganization creditors, etc. (meaning the reorganization creditors, etc. set forth in Article 2, paragraph (13) of the same Act; the same applies in Article 65) that have the rights of the same type prescribed in the proviso to Article 168, paragraph (1) of the same Act, in consideration of the fact that it was confirmed that the borrowing of the funds conforms to both of the items of Article 56, paragraph (1).

Article 59(1)A business intending to promote corporate rehabilitation through specified certified dispute resolution procedures may request the specified certified dispute resolution business undertaking the specified certified dispute resolution procedures to confirm that the claims arising from any causes during a period up to the termination of the specified certified dispute resolution procedures conform to both of the following items:

(2)When having made a confirmation as set forth in the preceding paragraph, the specified certified dispute resolution business is to give notice to that effect to the business that sought the confirmation.

Article 60If an application for the starting of rehabilitation proceedings has been filed with respect to a business that assumed the obligations regarding the claims confirmed under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (referred to as the "confirmed claims" from this Article to Article 65), and the court issues a provisional order under Article 30, paragraph (1) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act, the court is to make a decision as to whether it should prohibit the payment of the confirmed claims with that provisional order, in consideration of the fact that it was confirmed that the confirmed claims conform to both of the items of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.

Article 61If a ruling has been rendered on the starting of rehabilitation proceedings with respect to a business that assumed the obligations regarding the confirmed claims, and a petition has been filed for permission for the payment of these confirmed claims as those falling under cases in which significant hindrance would be caused to the continuation of the business of the rehabilitation debtor, unless the payment of the rehabilitation claims of small amounts are performed promptly, pursuant to the provisions of Article 85, paragraph (5) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act, the court is to make a decision as to whether the payment of the confirmed claims falls under cases in which significant hindrance would be caused to the continuation of the business of the rehabilitation debtor, unless the rehabilitation claims of small amounts are performed promptly, as prescribed in Article 85, paragraph (5) of the same Act, in consideration of the fact that it was confirmed that the confirmed claims conform to both of the items of Article 59, paragraph (1).

Article 62If a ruling has been rendered on the starting of rehabilitation proceedings with respect to a business that assumed the obligations regarding the confirmed claims, and a proposed rehabilitation plan that creates a difference in the details of changes to rights between the confirmed claims and other rehabilitation claims has been submitted or approved, the court is to make a decision as to whether the proposed rehabilitation plan falls under cases in which equality will not be compromised even if a proposed rehabilitation plan otherwise provides for the rehabilitation claims of small amounts or any other difference is created among rehabilitation creditors, as prescribed in the proviso to Article 155, paragraph (1) of the Civil Rehabilitation Act, in consideration of the fact that it was confirmed that the confirmed claims conform to both of the items of Article 59, paragraph (1).

Article 63If an application for the starting of reorganization proceedings has been filed with respect to a business that assumed the obligations regarding the confirmed claims, and the court issues a provisional order under Article 28, paragraph (1) of the Corporate Reorganization Act, the court is to make a decision as to whether it should prohibit the payment for the confirmed claims with that provisional order, in consideration of the fact that it was confirmed that the confirmed claims conform to both of the items of Article 59, paragraph (1).

Article 64If a ruling has been rendered on the starting of reorganization proceedings with respect to a business that assumed the obligations regarding the confirmed claims, and a petition has been filed for permission for the payment of these confirmed claims as those falling under cases in which significant hindrance would be caused to the continuation of the business of the reorganization company, unless the payment of the reorganization claims, etc. of small amounts are performed promptly, pursuant to the provisions of Article 47, paragraph (5) of the Corporate Reorganization Act, the court is to make a decision as to whether the payment of the confirmed claims falls under cases in which significant hindrance would be caused to the continuation of the business of the reorganization company, unless the reorganization claims, etc. of small amounts are performed promptly, as prescribed in Article 47, paragraph (5) of the same Act, in consideration of the fact that it was confirmed that the confirmed claims conform to both of the items of Article 59, paragraph (1).

Article 65If a ruling has been rendered on the starting of reorganization proceedings with respect to a business that assumed the obligations regarding the confirmed claims, and a proposed reorganization plan that creates a difference in the details of changes to rights between the confirmed claims and other reorganization claims, etc. of the same type has been submitted or approved, the court is to make a decision as to whether the proposed reorganization plan falls under the cases in which equality will not be compromised even if a proposed reorganization plan otherwise provides for the reorganization claims, etc. of small amounts or any other difference is created among reorganization creditors, etc. that have the rights of the same type, as prescribed in the proviso to Article 168, paragraph (1) of the Corporate Reorganization Act, in consideration of the fact that it was confirmed that the confirmed claims conform to both of the items of Article 59, paragraph (1).

Article 66(1)If a person that should pay patent fees for each year from the first to the tenth year under Article 107, paragraph (1) of the Patent Act (Act No. 121 of 1959) regarding a patent application concerning an invention belonging to the fields of technology specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as those contributing to strengthening industrial competitiveness is a person that falls under the requirements specified by Cabinet Order in consideration of the relevant person's financial resources and level of contribution to strengthening industrial competitiveness through the creation of new industry, the Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office may grant the person a reduction of, exemption from, or a grace period for the payment of patent fees, as prescribed by Cabinet Order.

(2)If a person that files a request for examination regarding its own patent application for an invention prescribed in the preceding paragraph is a person that falls under the requirements prescribed in the same paragraph, the Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office may grant the person a reduction of or exemption from payment of the fees that are to be paid for a request for examination of the application pursuant to the provisions of Article 195, paragraph (2) of the Patent Act, as prescribed by Cabinet Order.

(3)If a person that files an international application (meaning the international application prescribed in Article 2 of the Act on International Applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (Act No. 30 of 1978)) in Japanese regarding an invention prescribed in paragraph (1) is a person that falls under the requirements prescribed in the same paragraph, the Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office may grant the person a reduction of or exemption from the payment of the fees that are to be paid pursuant to the provisions of Article 18, paragraph (2) (excluding the portion set forth in row (ii) of the table of the same paragraph) of the same Act (limited to the fees for the portion regarding the amount specified by Cabinet Order set forth in the same paragraph within the amount set forth in column 3 of the same table as prescribed in the same paragraph), as prescribed by Cabinet Order.

Article 67(1)The competent minister is to establish the guidelines for promoting the implementation of security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised (hereinafter referred to as the "promotion guidelines").

(2)The promotion guidelines are to specify the following:

(3)If the competent minister has established the promotion guidelines or has made changes thereto, the minister is to publicize the established or changed promotion guidelines without delay.

Article 68(1)A person that undertakes business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised may seek approval of the competent minister.

(2)A person that intends to seek the approval set forth in the preceding paragraph must submit a written application containing the following and other documents specified by orders of the competent ministries to the competent minister:

(3)If the competent minister has received an application for approval as set forth in paragraph (1) and finds that the methods for undertaking business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised in relation to the application conform to the criteria prescribed in paragraph (2), item (iii) of the preceding Article that are established in the promotion guidelines, the minister is to grant approval.

(4)Those falling under any of the following items may not obtain the approval set forth in paragraph (1):

(5)If the competent minister has granted approval as set forth in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the name, address, scope of business operations, and other particulars specified by orders of the competent ministries.

Article 69(1)Unless the approval set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article is renewed for each period as specified by Cabinet Order within three years, the relevant approval ceases to be effective upon the lapse of that period.

(2)The provisions of paragraph (2), paragraph (3), and paragraph (4) (excluding item (ii)) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the renewal of the approval set forth in the preceding paragraph.

(3)If the approval set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article has ceased to be effective pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the competent minister is to publicize that fact.

Article 70(1)If a person who has obtained approval as set forth in Article 68, paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as an "approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised") has transferred the entirety of its business to undertake security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised regarding the approval or when there has been inheritance, merger or split (limited to the inheritance, merger or split to cause succession of the entirety of the business to undertake business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised regarding the approval) with respect to an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, the person who has received the entirety of the relevant business through transfer or; the heir (or, the single heir selected to relevant business with the consent of all the heirs, if there are two or more heirs and that single heir is thus selected; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph); the corporation surviving the merger or corporation established through the merger; or the corporation that has succeeded to the entirety of the relevant business through the split succeeds to the status of the approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised; provided, however, that this does not apply if the person that has received the entirety of the relevant business through transfer or, the heir, the corporation surviving the merger or corporation established through the merger, or the corporation that has succeeded to the entirety of the relevant business through the split falls under any of the items of paragraph (4) of the same Article.

(2)A person that has succeeded to the status of an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph must notify the competent minister of that fact without delay, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(3)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to publicize that fact.

Article 71(1)If an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised intends to make changes to the particulars set forth in Article 68, paragraph (2), item (ii), the entity must seek the approval of the competent minister; provided, however, that this does not apply to minor changes specified by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)The provisions of Article 68, paragraph (2), paragraph (3), and paragraph (4) (excluding item (ii)) apply mutatis mutandis to the approval for changes set forth in the preceding paragraph.In this case, the phrase "the following particulars" in paragraph (2) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "the following particulars (for the particulars set forth in item (ii), limited to those regarding the changes)".

(3)If there have been any changes to the particulars set forth in Article 68, paragraph (2), item (i), or an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised has made minor changes specified by orders of the competent ministries set forth in the proviso to paragraph (1), the entity must notify the competent minister of that fact without delay.

(4)If the competent minister has granted approval for changes as set forth in paragraph (1) or has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to publicize that fact.

Article 72Officers or employees of an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, or persons who were once employed as such, must not divulge or misappropriate any confidential information that has come to their knowledge regarding business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, except if reasonable grounds exist.

Article 73If the competent minister determines that improvements are necessary with respect to management of business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, which are undertaken by an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, the minister may order the relevant entity to take measures necessary for those improvements.

Article 74(1)If an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised intends to discontinue its business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, the entity must notify the competent minister of that fact in advance, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)If the competent minister has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to publicize that fact.

Article 75(1)If an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised falls under any of the following items, the competent minister may rescind their approval:

(2)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval under the preceding paragraph, the minister is to publicize that fact.

Article 76Regarding a general incorporated association or general incorporated foundation that has obtained approval as set forth in Article 68, paragraph (1) by limiting the scope of business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised to those only targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (limited to a general incorporated association for which at least half of the voting rights in its general meeting of members are held by small and medium-sized enterprises, and a general incorporated foundation for which at least half of the value of the property contributed upon its incorporation has been contributed by small and medium-sized enterprises; hereinafter referred to as an "approved general incorporated association, etc." in this Article) and has received a guarantee for obligations prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) or Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding funds necessary for undertaking the business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, the provisions of Article 3, Article 3-2, and Articles 4 through 8 of the same Act apply by deeming the relevant approved general incorporated association, etc. as the small or medium-sized enterprise set forth in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the same Act.In this case, with respect to the application of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) and Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the same Act, the phrase "the borrowings" in these provisions is deemed to be replaced with "the borrowing of the funds necessary for undertaking the business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (19) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013) undertaken by the approved general incorporated association, etc. prescribed in Article 76 of the same Act".

Article 77In response to a request from an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan, provides information on the the relevant approved entity's business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, or otherwise undertakes business operations to offer necessary cooperation (limited to the provision of information on cybersecurity prescribed in Article 2 of the Basic Act on Cybersecurity (Act No. 104 of 2014) and other business operations that promote the sophistication of information processing in business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised).

Article 78In order to promote the implementation of security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, which small and medium-sized enterprises undertake, in response to a request from an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised, the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation provides information on the business operations set forth in Article 2, paragraph (19), item (ii) which the relevant approved entity undertakes, or otherwise undertakes business operations to offer necessary cooperation.

Article 79A person that undertakes business operations to certify security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised but has not obtained approval as set forth in Article 68, paragraph (1) with respect to those business operations must not make an indication that could clearly give rise to the misconception that the person is an approved entity certifying security measures of companies to prevent technological information from being compromised.

Article 80The Japan Investment Corporation is to be a stock company, with the purpose of promoting specified business activities within Japan through making investments or otherwise providing funds and offering other support towards specified investment businesses and specified business activities, in consideration of the fact that innovation in industrial activities by effectively utilizing management resources other than those owned individually has become increasingly important in order for Japanese industries to properly deal with the recent changes in the industrial structure and global competitive conditions, and with an awareness that its business operations will contribute to expanding private investment.

Article 81Only one Japan Investment Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "JIC") is to be formed.

Article 82The government is to ordinarily hold a number of shares equivalent to two-thirds or greater of the total number of shares issued by the JIC (excluding shares of a class specified as those that cannot be used to exercise voting rights with respect to all of the matters for which a resolution can be made at a shareholders meeting; the same applies in this Article).

Article 83(1)If the JIC intends to solicit persons to subscribe for the shares for subscription prescribed in Article 199, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act (referred to as "shares for subscription" in Article 160, item (i)), the share options for subscription prescribed in Article 238, paragraph (1) of the same Act (referred to as "share options for subscription" in the same item), or the bonds for subscription prescribed in Article 676 of the same Act (referred to as "bonds for subscription" in Article 122 and Article 160, item (i)); intends to issue shares, bonds or share options at a share exchange; or intends to borrow funds, it must obtain the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)After issuing shares through exercising share options, the JIC must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of that fact without delay.

Article 84The government may make capital contributions to the JIC within a range of amounts specified in the budget, if the government considers it to be necessary.

Article 85(1)The JIC must use the Japanese characters "株式会社産業革新投資機構" (pronounced "kabushiki gaisha sangyō kakushin tōshiki kikō", meaning "Japan Investment Corporation") in its trade name.

(2)Those other than the JIC must not use the Japanese characters "産業革新投資機構" (pronounced "sangyō kakushin tōshiki kikō", meaning "Japan Investment Corporation") in their names.

Article 86(1)Beyond the particulars set forth in the items of Article 27 of the Companies Act, the following particulars must be specified or recorded in the articles of incorporation of the JIC:

(2)The following particulars must not be specified or recorded in the articles of incorporation of the JIC:

Article 87The incorporators of the JIC must prepare the articles of incorporation and, after having subscribed for their allotted shares issued at incorporation, they must submit the articles of incorporation and the business plan to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and apply for authorization for the incorporation, promptly.

Article 88(1)If an application for authorization under the preceding Article has been filed, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to examine whether the application conforms to all of the following:

(2)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry finds that the application conforms to all of the items of the preceding paragraph as a result of the examination carried out pursuant to the provisions of the same paragraph, the minister is to give authorization for the incorporation.

Article 89The appointment and dismissal of the directors at incorporation prescribed in Article 38, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act and the auditors at incorporation prescribed in paragraph (2), item (ii) of the same Article do not become effective unless the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

Article 90With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 30, paragraph (2), Article 34, paragraph (1), Article 59, paragraph (1), item (i), and Article 963, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act, the phrase "Articles of incorporation that are certified by a notary public pursuant to the preceding paragraph may not be amended before the formation of the stock company" in Article 30, paragraph (2) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "Articles of incorporation may not be amended before the formation of the Japan Investment Corporation after the authorization set forth in Article 88, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)"; the phrase "subscription for shares issued at incorporation" in Article 34, paragraph (1) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "the authorization set forth in Article 88, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness"; the phrase "The date of the certification of the articles of incorporation and the name of the notary public who effected such certification" in Article 59, paragraph (1), item (i) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "The date of the authorization set forth in Article 88, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness"; and the phrase "Article 34, paragraph (1)" in Article 963, paragraph (1) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "Article 34, paragraph (1) (including as applied pursuant to the provisions of Article 90 of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness following the deemed replacement of terms)".

Article 91The provisions of Article 30, paragraph (1) and Article 33 of the Companies Act do not apply to the incorporation of the JIC.

Article 92Resolutions on the appointment and dismissal of directors and company auditors do not become effective unless the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

Article 93The directors, accounting advisors (or, a member who is to perform the duties of an accounting advisor, if the accounting advisor is a corporation), company auditors, or employees of the JIC, or persons who were employed as such, must not divulge or misappropriate any confidential information that has come to their knowledge in the performance of their duties.

Article 94The Japan Investment Committee (hereinafter referred to as the "Committee" in this Chapter) is established in the JIC.

Article 95(1)The Committee makes the following decisions and evaluations:

(2)The Committee is deemed to have received the delegation from the board of directors with respect to decisions on the matters set forth in item (i), and items (iii) through (v) of the preceding paragraph and evaluation set forth in item (ii) of the same paragraph.

Article 96(1)The Committee is composed of three to seven members who are directors.

(2)The majority of the Committee members must be outside directors.

(3)One or more representative directors must be included within the Committee members.

(4)Committee members are decided through a resolution at the board of directors.

(5)Resolutions on the appointment and dismissal of Committee members do not become effective unless the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

(6)The Committee members perform their duties independently.

(7)The Committee has a chairperson, for whom the Committee members vote from among themselves.

(8)The chairperson presides over all of the affairs of the Committee.

(9)The Committee must designate, in advance, a Committee member to undertake the duties of the chairperson in the event that the chairperson is unable to perform their duties.

Article 97(1)The Committee is to be convened by the chairperson (or, if the chairperson is unable to perform duties, by the person who undertakes the duties of the chairperson as prescribed in paragraph (8) of the preceding Article; the same applies in the following paragraph and paragraph (3)).

(2)The Committee may not hold a meeting or make resolutions without the attendance of the chairperson and at least two-thirds of the total number of incumbent Committee members.

(3)A resolution by the Committee is made by a majority of the votes of the Committee members present at the meeting. In case of a tie, the chairperson makes the final decision.

(4)Committee members who have a special interest with respect to a resolution pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph may not participate in voting on it.

(5)The number of Committee members who may not participate in voting pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph is not included in the number of incumbent Committee members prescribed in paragraph (2).

(6)Company auditors must attend Committee meetings and, if the Committee intends to make evaluations set forth in Article 95, paragraph (1), item (ii) or otherwise considers it necessary, they must state their opinions.

(7)After a resolution has been made pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3), a member of the Committee who has been appointed by the Committee must notify the board of directors of the details of the resolution without delay.

(8)Minutes must be prepared with respect to the resolutions at the Committee, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and if those minutes are in the form of written documents, the Committee members and company auditors who attended the Committee meeting must sign, or affix their names and seals to those minutes.

(9)If the minutes set forth in the preceding paragraph have been prepared in the form of electronic or magnetic records (meaning records created in electronic form, magnetic form, or any other form that is impossible to perceive through human senses alone, which are used in information processing by computers; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph and paragraph (2), item (ii) of the following Article), measures in lieu of the affixation of signatures or names and seals specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry must be taken with respect to the particulars recorded in the electronic or magnetic records.

(10)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding paragraphs and the following Article, the Committee decides on the procedures for resolutions and other necessary matters concerning its own operations.

Article 98(1)The JIC must keep the minutes set forth in paragraph (8) of the preceding Article at its head office for ten years from the date of the Committee meeting.

(2)Shareholders may make the following requests by receiving the permission of the court, if it is necessary for exercising their rights:

(3)Creditors may make requests as set forth in the items of the preceding paragraph with respect to the minutes set forth in paragraph (1) by receiving the permission of the court, if it is necessary for pursuing the liability of a Committee member.

(4)The court may not give the permission set forth in paragraph (2) or the preceding paragraph if it considers that substantial detriment to the JIC is likely to be caused by the inspection or copying regarding the requests set forth in the items of paragraph (2) or the requests set forth in the preceding paragraph.

(5)The provisions of Article 868, paragraph (1), Article 869, Article 870, paragraph (2) (limited to the portion regarding item (i)), Article 870-2, the main clause of Article 871, Article 872 (limited to the portion regarding item (v)), Article 872-2, the main clause of Article 873, Article 875 and Article 876 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to the permission set forth in paragraph (2) and paragraph (3).

(6)The directors may make requests set forth in the items of paragraph (2) with respect to the minutes set forth in paragraph (1).

Article 99(1)If the JIC has appointed Committee members, it must register their names at the location of its head office within two weeks. This also applies if changes to the names of the Committee members have arisen.

(2)A written application for registration of the appointment of Committee members under the preceding paragraph must be filed with documents evidencing the appointment of Committee members and the appointed Committee members' acceptance of the assumption of office attached to it.

(3)A written application for registration of changes due to the resignation of a Committee member must be filed with documents evidencing that fact attached to it.

(4)With respect to directors who are appointed as Committee members and who are outside directors, the JIC must register the fact that they are outside directors.

Article 100Resolutions on changes to the articles of incorporation of the JIC do not become effective unless the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

Article 101(1)The JIC is to undertake the following business operations, for the purpose of achieving its objective:

(2)Beyond what are set forth in the items of the preceding paragraph, the JIC may undertake the following business operations to an extent that does not hinder its business performance:

(3)If the JIC intends to undertake business operations contributing to its objective, beyond what is provided for in the preceding two paragraphs, it may undertake those business operations by obtaining the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in advance.

Article 102(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to establish the standards that the JIC should comply with if making decisions on specified investment businesses subject to specified fund provision and the details of the specified fund provision (hereinafter referred to as the "investment standards" in this Chapter).

(2)The investment standards are to specify the following:

(3)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry intends to establish the investment standards pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the minister is to hear the opinion of the minister with jurisdiction (meaning the minister with jurisdiction over the business regarding activities subject to specified investment businesses' provision of funds or other support for specified business activities and their provision of funds or other support for business activities to provide funds or other support for specified business activities; the same applies in Article 104, paragraph (3)) in advance.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has established the investment standards pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize them.

(5)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to make changes to the investment standards when any need arises due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(6)The provisions of paragraph (3) and paragraph (4) apply mutatis mutandis to changes to the investment standards under the preceding paragraph.

Article 103(1)If the JIC intends to conduct specified fund provision, it must make a decision on specified investment businesses subject to the fund provision and the details of the specified fund provision in accordance with the investment standards.

(2)If the JIC intends to make a decision as to whether or not it conducts specified fund provision, it must obtain the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in advance.

(3)If the JIC intends to obtain the authorization set forth in the preceding paragraph, it must submit a written application containing the following to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry:

Article 104(1)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has received an application for the authorization set forth in paragraph (3) of the preceding Article, the minister is to examine whether the application conforms to both of the following:

(2)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry finds that the application conforms to both of the items of the preceding paragraph as a result of the examination carried out pursuant to the provisions of the same paragraph, the minister is to give authorization as set forth in paragraph (2) of the preceding Article.

(3)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry intends to give authorization as set forth in paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, the minister is to hear the opinion of the minister with jurisdiction in advance.

Article 105(1)If the JIC intends to make changes to the particulars set forth in the items of Article 103, paragraph (3), it must obtain the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)The provisions of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the authorization set forth in the preceding paragraph.

Article 106(1)The JIC must evaluate the performance of business operations of approved specified investment businesses (meaning specified investment businesses to which the JIC conducts specified fund provision by obtaining the authorization set forth in Article 103, paragraph (2); the same applies hereinafter) for each business year.

(2)If the JIC has made evaluation as set forth in the preceding paragraph, it must notify the relevant approved specified investment businesses of the evaluation results and collect funds regarding specified fund provision or otherwise take necessary measures against the approved specified investment businesses in accordance with the evaluation results, without delay.

(3)If the JIC has made evaluation as set forth in paragraph (1) or has taken measures as set forth in the preceding paragraph, it must report the evaluation results or the details of the measures to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has received a report under the preceding paragraph and finds it necessary, the minister is to change the investment standards.

Article 107(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to establish the standards that the JIC should comply with if making decisions on businesses subject to direct fund provision and the details of the direct fund provision (referred to as the "support standards" in the following paragraph and paragraph (3) of this Article, and paragraph (1) of the following Article).

(2)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry intends to establish the support standards pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the minister is to hear the opinion of the minister with jurisdiction (meaning the minister with jurisdiction over the business regarding the activities subject to direct fund provision; the same applies in paragraph (4) and paragraph (5) of the following Article) in advance.

(3)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has established the support standards pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize them.

(4)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to make changes to the support standards if any need arises due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(5)The provisions of paragraph (2) and paragraph (3) apply mutatis mutandis to changes to the support standards under the preceding paragraph.

Article 108(1)If the JIC intends to conduct direct fund provision, it must make a decision on businesses subject to it and the details of the direct fund provision, in accordance with the support standards.

(2)If the JIC intends to make a decision as to whether it conducts direct fund provision or not, it must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of that fact and specify a reasonable period of time for the minister to state the opinion, in advance; provided, however, that this does not apply if direct fund provision solely consists of contributions (limited to contributions whose amount is below a certain amount and other contributions specified by Cabinet Order).

(3)If the JIC has made a decision to conduct direct fund provision in cases prescribed in the proviso to the preceding paragraph, it must promptly report to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to that effect and on the details thereof.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has received a notification under paragraph (2), the minister is to promptly notify the minister with jurisdiction of the details of the notification.

(5)If the minister with jurisdiction has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, and finds it to be necessary in view of the situation in the field of business to which the relevant business belongs, the minister may state the opinion to the JIC within the period of time set forth in paragraph (2).

Article 109(1)In the following cases, the JIC must promptly revoke a decision on direct fund provision:

(2)If the JIC has revoked a decision on direct fund provision pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, it must immediately notify the business subject to direct fund provision of that fact.

Article 110(1)If the JIC intends to make a decision on the transfer or other disposal of securities or claims that it holds regarding a business subject to direct fund provision, it must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of that fact and specify a reasonable period of time for the minister to state their opinion in advance.

(2)The JIC must endeavor to transfer or otherwise dispose of all securities and claims that it holds by March 31, 2034, in consideration of the economic situation and the state of the business of subject businesses.

(3)The redemption date for loans that are subject to a guarantee for obligations by the JIC must be not later than March 31, 2034.

Article 111Upon consulting with the Minister of Finance, the competent minister is to request the JIC to accept all shares that the government holds in specified government-funded companies (referred to as "specified shares" in the following Article and Article 114) at the value evaluated by the evaluation committee members as set forth in paragraph (3) of the following Article.

Article 112(1)If the JIC has received a request pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article, it must accept all of the specified shares within a period of time designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry within three months from the request.In this case, those specified shares that the JIC has accepted are deemed to be held by the government with respect to the application of the provisions of Article 2, paragraph (22) of this Act and the provisions of other laws and regulations that provide that those specified shares should be held by the government.

(2)If the JIC accepts specified shares under the preceding paragraph, and issues shares or disposes of treasury shares in exchange for the acceptance, with respect to the application of the provisions of Article 199, paragraph (2) of the Companies Act to the JIC, the phrase "a shareholders meeting" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "a board of directors" and the following proviso is to be added to the same paragraph: "; provided, however, that the board of directors must decide the amount to be paid or the method for calculating the relevant amount as set forth in item (ii) of the preceding paragraph based on the evaluation by the evaluation committee members set forth in Article 112, paragraph (3) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

(3)The value of the specified shares that the JIC accepts pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) is to be the value evaluated by the evaluation committee members.

(4)If the evaluation committee members set forth in the preceding paragraph (simply referred to as the "evaluation committee members" in Article 114, paragraph (2) and paragraph (3)) intend to make an evaluation as set forth in the preceding paragraph, they are to use, as the basis, the market value of the specified shares as of the day on which the acceptance of all of the specified shares becomes effective; provided, however, that they may decide not to depend on the market value of the specified shares if they find it inappropriate to do so in consideration of the types of the specified shares and other particulars.

(5)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding paragraphs, Cabinet Order prescribes necessary particulars concerning the acceptance of specified shares by the JIC.

Article 113The provisions of Article 469, paragraph (1) (limited to the part other than what is listed in the items therein), paragraph (3), and paragraph (5) to paragraph (9), Article 470, and Article 868 to Article 876 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to the cases set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.In this case, the phrases set forth in the middle column of the following table that are used in the provisions of the same Act set forth in the left-hand column of the same table are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the same table, and any other necessary technical replacement of the phrases is to be specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 114(1)If the JIC intends to transfer specified shares, it must obtain the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)When the JIC intends to transfer the specified shares by obtaining authorization as set forth in the preceding paragraph, the value of those shares is that evaluated by the evaluation committee members.

(3)If the evaluation committee members intend to make an evaluation as set forth in the preceding paragraph, they are to use, as the basis, the market value of the specified shares as of the day on which the transfer of the specified shares becomes effective; provided, however, that they may decide not to depend on the market value of the specified shares if they find it inappropriate to do so in consideration of the types of the specified shares and other particulars.

(4)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding three paragraphs, Cabinet Order prescribes necessary particulars concerning the transfer of specified shares by the JIC.

Article 115(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and heads of national administrative organs are to endeavor to provide the JIC and subject businesses with advice or other assistance necessary for the JIC and subject businesses to implement their business smoothly and reliably.

(2)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding paragraph, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and heads of national administrative organs are to cooperate and develop mutual coordination so as to encourage the JIC and subject businesses to implementation their business smoothly and realiably.

Article 116(1)Before the start of each business year, the JIC must submit the budget for the relevant business year to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and obtain the authorization of the minister. This also applies if the JIC intends to make changes to the budget.

(2)The JIC must attach documents concerning the business plan and financial plan for that relevant business year to the budget set forth in the preceding paragraph.

Article 117Resolutions at the JIC on dividends of surplus and other dispositions of surplus do not become effective unless the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

Article 118The JIC must submit a balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and business report within three months from the end of each business year, for the relevant business year to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Article 119Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3 of the Act on the Restrictions on Financial Assistance by the Government to Corporations (Act No. 24 of 1946), the government may provide guarantees for obligations regarding the JIC's bonds or borrowing set forth in Article 83, paragraph (1), within the limit of the amount approved by the Diet.

Article 120(1)The JIC must establish standards for remuneration and severance pay for directors and salary for employees, notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of those standards, and also publicize them. This also applies if the JIC has made changes to them.

(2)With respect to salary or other treatment for employees solely engaging in business operations to make capital contributions (referred to as "employees solely engaging in contributions" in this paragraph), the JIC is to pay attention to securing excellent personnel, fostering young employees solely engaging in contributions, and promoting their activities, within the budget authorized pursuant to the provisions of Article 116, paragraph (1).

Article 121(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry supervises the JIC, in accordance with what is provided for by this Act.

(2)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry finds it necessary for the enforcement of this Act, the minister may issue orders to the JIC as necessary for its supervision with respect to business operations of the JIC and approved specified investment businesses.

Article 122If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry intends to give the authorization set forth in Article 83, paragraph (1) (limited to cases in which the JIC intends to solicit persons to subscribe for the shares for subscription, issue bonds at a share exchange, or borrow funds), Article 88, paragraph (2), Article 100, Article 101, paragraph (3), Article 103, paragraph (2), Article 105, paragraph (1), Article 114, paragraph (1), Article 116, paragraph (1), Article 117, or Article 125; establishes the investment standards pursuant to the provisions of Article 102, paragraph (1); or makes changes to the investment standards pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (5) of the same Article or Article 106, paragraph (4), the minister is to consult with the Minister of Finance.

Article 123(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to make evaluation with respect to the performance of business operations by the JIC for each business year.

(2)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has made evaluation as set forth in the preceding paragraph, the minister is to give notice concerning the evaluation results to the JIC and publicize them, without delay.

(3)Upon making evaluation as set forth in paragraph (1), the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to take into account the fact that the JIC is required to utilize highly professional and practical knowledge in its business operations in order to deal with the changes in the industrial structure and global competitive conditions.

Article 124The JIC is to be dissolved upon the completion of the business operations set forth in the items of Article 101, paragraph (1).

Article 125Resolutions on mergers, company splits, transfer or acceptance of business, and dissolution of the JIC do not become effective unless the authorization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has been obtained.

Article 126(1)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications are to establish guidelines for the implementation of programs for supporting start-ups, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the "implementation guidelines" in this Article and paragraph (4), item (i) of the following Article) for the purpose of properly supporting start-ups through programs for supporting start-ups, etc. and proactively carrying out dissemination and awareness-raising activities concerning start-ups, thereby contributing to the revitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises.

(2)The implementation guidelines are to specify the following:

(3)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications are to make changes to the implementation guidelines if any need arises due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications intend to establish the implementation guidelines or make changes thereto, they are to consult with the ministers with jurisdiction over the businesses of small and medium-sized enterprises, and hear the opinion of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Policy Making Council, in advance.

(5)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications have established the implementation guidelines or have made changes thereto, they are to publicize the established or changed implementation guidelines, without delay.

Article 127(1)A municipality may prepare a plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. it intends to implement (including a program for supporting start-ups, etc. that a person other than the municipality intends to implement in collaboration with the municipality's program for supporting start-ups, etc.; the same applies hereinafter) (hereinafter the relevant plan is referred to as a "plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc."), and submit it to the competent minister to seek approval therefor, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)If two or more municipalities intend to jointly implement their program for supporting start-ups, etc., those two or more municipalities may jointly prepare a plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. to seek approval therefor as set forth in the preceding paragraph.

(3)A plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. must contain the following:

(4)If the competent minister has received an application for approval as set forth in paragraph (1) and finds that the plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. conforms to both of the following items, the minister is to approve the plan:

(5)If the competent minister has granted approval as set forth in paragraph (1), the minister is to publicize the details of the plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. regarding the approval, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

Article 128(1)If a municipality that has obtained approval as set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (hereinafter referred to as an "approved municipality") intends to make changes to the plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. regarding the approval, the municipality must seek the approval of the competent minister, as prescribed by orders of the competent ministries.

(2)If the competent minister finds that an approved municipality (including a person that implements the program by a person other than the municipality in collaboration with the program for supporting start-ups, etc. that the approved municipality implements under a plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. regarding the approval (or the plan after changes if an approval has been granted for those changes under the preceding paragraph; hereinafter referred to as an "approved plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc."); the relevant collaborative program is referred to as an "approved collaborative program for supporting start-ups, etc." in Article 130, and the relevant person is referred to as a "business implementing approved collaborative program for supporting start-ups, etc." in Article 131, paragraph (1) and Article 141, paragraph (1)) is not implementing the program for supporting start-ups, etc. in accordance with the approved plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc., the minister may rescind the approval.

(3)If the competent minister finds that an approved plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. no longer conforms to either of the items of paragraph (4) of the preceding Article, the minister may direct the approved municipality to make changes to the approved plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. or may rescind the approval.

(4)If the competent minister has rescinded the approval under the preceding two paragraphs, the minister is to publicize that fact.

(5)The provisions of paragraph (4) and paragraph (5) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the approval set forth in paragraph (1).

Article 129(1)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 3-2, paragraph (1) and paragraph (3) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding the insurance relationships of unsecured insurance that pertain to a small or medium-sized enterprise which is a founder (including the founders set forth in Article 2, paragraph (24), item (i), item (iii), and item (v); the same applies hereinafter) having received a start-up-related guarantee (meaning a guarantee for obligations prescribed in Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the same Act regarding the required funds of a founder that are specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; hereinafter the same applies in this Article), the phrase "small or medium-sized enterprise" in Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "small or medium-sized enterprise (including the founders set forth in Article 2, paragraph (24), item (i), item (iii), and item (v) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013); the same applies hereinafter)"; the phrase "the total insurance value per each small or medium-sized enterprise" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the total insurance value of the insurance relationships regarding a start-up-related guarantee prescribed in Article 129, paragraph (1) of the same Act (hereinafter referred to as a "start-up-related guarantee") and the total insurance value for other insurance relationships per each small or medium-sized enterprise, respectively,"; and the phrase "80,000,000 yen" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "10,000,000 yen (or 15,000,000 yen for the total insurance value of the insurance relationships regarding a start-up-related guarantee that is related to the funds required for a start-up by receiving support through the approved specified start-up program prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (23), item (i) of the same Act, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (hereinafter referred to as a "supported start-up-related guarantee")) and 80,000,000 yen"; and the phrase "the amount guaranteed out of the amount of the borrowings" in paragraph (3) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "the amount guaranteed out of the amount of the borrowings, for each of the start-up-related guarantee and other guarantees, respectively,"; the phrase "exceed 80,000,000 yen" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "exceed 10,000,000 yen (or 15,000,000 yen for a supported start-up-related guarantee) and 80,000,000 yen)"; the phrase "a small or medium-sized enterprise that is the debtor" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "a small or medium-sized enterprise that is the debtor, for each of the start-up-related guarantee and other guarantees"; and the phrase "from 80,000,000 yen" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "from 10,000,000 yen (or 15,000,000 yen for a supported start-up-related guarantee) and 80,000,000 yen, respectively".

(2)The founder set forth in Article 2, paragraph (24), item (i), item (iii), and item (v) that has received a start-up-related guarantee is deemed to be a small or medium-sized enterprise as set forth in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act, and the provisions of Article 3-2 and Articles 4 through 8 of the same Act apply to the relevant founder.

(3)With respect to the application of the provisions of Article 3-2, paragraph (2) and Article 5 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding the insurance relationships of unsecured insurance from among those regarding start-up-related guarantees that are related to a small or medium-sized enterprise which is a founder falling under both of the following items, the phrase "80 percent" in Article 3-2, paragraph (2) of the same Act and the phrase "70 percent (or 80 percent, for unsecured insurance, special petty insurance, current assets insurance, pollution prevention insurance, energy conservation insurance, overseas investment-related insurance, new business development insurance, corporate rehabilitation insurance, and specific corporate bond insurance)" in Article 5 of the same Act are deemed to be replaced with "90 percent":

(4)Cabinet Order prescribes the limit on the total of the insurance values of the insurance relationships of unsecured insurance that are designated by Cabinet Order for a person that has received a start-up-related guarantee.

(5)The amount of insurance premiums relating to the insurance relationships of unsecured insurance that is related to a start-up-related guarantee is an amount arrived at if the insurance amount is multiplied by a percentage specified by Cabinet Order within two percent per annum, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4 of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act.

Article 130Regarding a general incorporated association or general incorporated foundation (limited to a general incorporated association in which at least half of the voting rights in its general meeting of members are held by small and medium-sized enterprises and to a general incorporated foundation for which at least half of the value of the property contributed upon its incorporation has been contributed by small and medium-sized enterprises) or a specified nonprofit corporation prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (2) of the Act to Promote Specified Non-profit Activities (Act No. 7 of 1998) (limited to a specified nonprofit corporation for which at least half of the rights to vote in its general meeting of members are held by small and medium-sized enterprises) that implements approved collaborative program for supporting start-ups, etc. and has received a guarantee for obligations prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) or Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding funds necessary for implementing the approved collaborative program for supporting start-ups, etc. (hereinafter referred to as an "approved general incorporated association, etc." in this Article), the approved general incorporated association, etc. is deemed to be the small or medium-sized enterprise set forth in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act, and the provisions of Article 3, Article 3-2, and Articles 4 through Article 8 of the same Act apply to the relevant approved general incorporated association, etc. In this case, with respect to the application of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) and Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the same Act, the phrase "borrowing" in those provisions is deemed to be replaced with "borrowing of funds necessary for implementing the approved collaborative program for supporting start-ups, etc. prescribed in Article 128, paragraph (2) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

Article 131(1)In response to a request from an approved municipality or a business implementing approved collaborative program for supporting start-ups, etc., the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation provides information concerning the relevant program for supporting start-ups, etc. or other necessary cooperation.

(2)Prefectures may provide municipalities that intend to prepare a plan for a program for supporting start-ups, etc. or approved municipalities with information concerning programs for supporting start-ups, etc. or other assistance.

Article 132(1)The obligations of a small or medium-sized enterprise based on a specified letter of credit issuance contract are deemed to be debt obligations due to the borrowing prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act, and the provisions of Article 3 and Articles 4 through 8 of the same Act apply thereto.In this case, with respect to the application of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) of the same Act regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance that are related to a small or medium-sized enterprise which has received a specified letter of credit-related guarantee (meaning a guarantee for obligations based on a specified letter of credit issuance contract; hereinafter the same applies in this Article), the phrase "the total insurance value per each small or medium-sized enterprise" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the total insurance value of the insurance relationships regarding a specified letter of credit-related guarantee prescribed in Article 132, paragraph (1) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013) and the total insurance value for other insurance relationships per each small or medium-sized enterprise, respectively,"; the phrase "the total amount guaranteed out of the amount of the borrowings" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the total amount guaranteed (or the maximum amount in the case of a special guarantee) out of the amount of obligations based on a specified letter of credit issuance contract (meaning the specified letter of credit issuance contract set forth in Article 2, paragraph (28) of the same Act) (limited to the amount equivalent to the amount of borrowings from a foreign bank, etc. (meaning the foreign bank, etc. set forth in Article 4, paragraph (3) of the Banking Act (Act No. 59 of 1981)) of an related foreign corporation (meaning the related foreign corporation set forth in Article 2, paragraph (9) of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness) of the small or medium-sized enterprise) and the total amount guaranteed out of the amount of the borrowings"; and the phrase "reaches" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with ", respectively, reaches".

(2)With respect to the application of the provisions of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act set forth in the left-hand column of the following table regarding the insurance relationships of ordinary insurance that are related to a specified letter of credit-related guarantee, the phrases set forth in the middle column of the same table that are used in these provisions are deemed to be replaced with the phrases set forth in the right-hand column of the same table.

Article 133(1)For the purpose of properly supporting the business rehabilitation of small and medium-sized enterprises through SME business rehabilitation through succession or other efforts, and thereby contributing to their revitalization, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to establish basic guidelines concerning support measures to be taken by the State, local governments, the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, and approved support institutions (hereinafter referred to as the "support guidelines" in this Article and paragraph (1) of the following Article).

(2)The support guidelines are to specify the following:

(3)The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is to make changes to the support guidelines if any need arises due to fluctuations in the state of the economy.

(4)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry intends to establish the support guidelines or make changes thereto, the minister is to consult with the minister who has jurisdiction over the businesses of small and medium-sized enterprises, and to hear the opinion of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Policy Making Council, in advance.

(5)If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has established the support guidelines or has made changes thereto, the minister is to publicize the established or changed support guidelines without delay.

Article 134(1)Based on the support guidelines and as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry may approve a society of commerce and industry, a prefectural federation of societies of commerce, a chamber of commerce, or a designated corporation prescribed in Article 7, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Support Act (Act No. 147 of 1963) that is considered to be able to undertake the business operations prescribed in the following paragraph (hereinafter referred to as "business operations to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization") in all or part of the area of a prefecture, properly and reliably, as a person undertaking business operations to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization, upon application therefrom.

(2)A person that has obtained approval as set forth in the preceding paragraph (hereinafter referred to as an "approved support institution") is to undertake the following business operations in the area set forth in paragraph (4), item (iv), (c) regarding the approval, beyond what is provided for by other laws and regulations:

(3)An approved support institution may undertake private dispute resolution procedures (meaning the procedures prescribed in Article 2, item (i) of the Act on Promotion of Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution) on disputes regarding corporate rehabilitation, by obtaining the certification set forth in Article 5 of the same Act and the approval set forth in Article 49, paragraph (1) of this Act, beyond the business operations specified by other laws and regulations and the business operations set forth in the items of the preceding paragraph.

(4)A person intending to obtain approval as set forth in paragraph (1) must submit a written application for approval containing the following to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry:

(5)If there have been any changes to the particulars set forth in item (i) and item (ii) of the preceding paragraph, an approved support institution must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of that fact without delay, and if it intends to make changes (excluding minor changes specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) to the particulars set forth in item (iv) of the same paragraph, it must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of that fact in advance.

Article 135(1)A Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Revitalization Support Council is established in an approved support institution.

(2)A Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Revitalization Support Council must be composed of the head of the approved support institution and the council members appointed by the head.

(3)Members of a Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Revitalization Support Council must be appointed from among persons who have practical experience or relevant knowledge and experience regarding business operations to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization.

(4)If the head of an approved support institution has appointed members of a Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Revitalization Support Council, the head must notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of that fact, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. This also applies if changes have arisen in the membership of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Revitalization Support Council.

(5)A Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Revitalization Support Council must deliberate and decide on the specific details, necessary particulars concerning the securing of the framework for undertaking business operations, and other important particulars for the execution of the approved support institution's business operations to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization, and must provide specialist advice to the approved support institution.

(6)Beyond what are provided for in the preceding items, Cabinet Order prescribes necessary particulars concerning the organization and operation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Revitalization Support Councils.

Article 136(1)Officers or employees of approved support institutions or members of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Revitalization Support Councils, or persons who were employed as such, must not divulge or misappropriate any confidential information that has come to their knowledge regarding business operations to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization.

(2)The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not apply to the following information:

Article 137If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry determines that improvements are necessary with respect to an approved support institution's management of its business operations to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization, the minister may order the approved support institution to take measures necessary for those improvements.

Article 138If an approved support institution has violated an order under the preceding Article, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry may rescind its approval.

Article 139Regarding an approved support institution that has received a guarantee for obligations as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) or Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Credit Insurance Act regarding funds necessary for undertaking a specified program for supporting small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization (meaning a program regarding business operations to support small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization that have been decided on by a Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Revitalization Support Council), the approved support institution is deemed to be the small or medium-sized enterprise set forth in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the same Act, and the provisions of Article 3, Article 3-2, and Article 4 to Article 8 of the same Act apply to the relevant institution. In this case, with respect to the application of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) and Article 3-2, paragraph (1) of the same Act, the phrase "borrowing" in those provisions is deemed to be replaced with "borrowing of funds necessary for implementing the program for supporting specified small and medium-sized enterprise revitalization prescribed in Article 139 of the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013)".

Article 140The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation undertakes the following business operations for the purpose of supporting the revitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises: